Pitru Paksha is a 16-day period to honor ancestors with rituals like Pind Daan and Shradh. Rooted in Ayurveda, it supports purification, reflection, and balance through offerings, self-care, and gratitude.
Read time : 5 min
Pitru Paksha is a sacred 16-day period to honor our ancestors. It falls right after the monsoon and before Sharad Ritu (autumn). After the rains, the body and mind naturally feel heavy and slow. In Ayurveda, this is Kapha season, when digestion may slow and toxins can accumulate.
Ancient sages timed Pitru Paksha deliberately. Honoring ancestors during this period helps us pause, reflect, and purify both body and mind. This period of remembrance is also called Shradh, a sacred time for gratitude and connecting with our roots.
How do Pitru Paksha rituals support seasonal balance?
Rituals like Pind Daan, Tarpanam, and charity are not just traditions. They are ways to harmonize with nature:
▪️Purify the mind: Reflection and gratitude calm mental restlessness
▪️Balance the body: Light meals and mindful offerings support digestion and reduce Kapha heaviness.
▪️Restore harmony: Acts of giving and service align our energy with seasonal rhythms, preparing for Sharad Ritu.
Why feed crows in Pitrupaksh?
During Pitru Paksha, we honor our ancestors not only through food offerings but also by feeding animals.
▪️Crows: Traditionally seen as messengers of ancestors. Feeding them is a way to send our prayers and gratitude.
▪️Dogs and other animals: Feeding them is a simple act of compassion. It is believed to bring blessings and is considered a sacred offering.
Why do we not celebrate in Pitrupaksh?
You might have noticed, there are no festivals, weddings, or beginnings of major events during Pitru Paksha. This is because the period is meant to be quiet and thoughtful.
▪️It is a time to remember our ancestors through Shradh and Pind Daan, rather than indulge in celebrations.
▪️Keeping the days calm helps families reflect on life, relationships, and spiritual values.
▪️Ayurveda also suggests that after the monsoon, the body and mind are naturally heavy, so peaceful, restorative practices are more suitable than excitement or festivities.
By avoiding celebrations, the focus stays on gratitude, remembrance, and meaningful connection with those who came before us.
How does Pitru Paksha help mind-body purification?
Pitru Paksha is not only spiritual, it also cleanses the mind and body.
▪️Calms the mind: Quiet reflection and storytelling reduce stress and emotional heaviness.
▪️Focuses thoughts: Mindful rituals encourage gratitude and clarity.
▪️Balances inner energy: Acts of giving and service harmonize body and mind with seasonal rhythms.
What Ayurvedic self-care can we practice during Shradh?
Simple practices help support body and mind during Pitru Paksha:
▪️Gentle self-massage (Abhyanga): Use warm oil to stimulate circulation and calm the nervous system.
▪️Warm herbal teas: Aid digestion and provide warmth after the monsoon.
▪️Light, nourishing meals: Focus on easily digestible foods like rice and seasonal vegetables.
▪️Mindful breathing or short meditation: Helps maintain mental clarity and emotional balance.
These simple steps enhance the spiritual and physical benefits of Shradh, making the period more meaningful.
